The slab of molten steel hit the floor with a deafening clang that vibrated through the soles of Elena’s boots. Before the dust even settled, black shapes poured through the ragged hole like oil spilling from a broken vessel.
"Get down!"
Caleb shoved Elena hard behind a heavy oak table, the force knocking the wind out of her. He vaulted over the table, landing in a crouch, his pistol barking twice.
Thud-thud.
Two of the intruders fell, their chests blossoming with red flowers. But there were more. Four. Six. They were armed with assault rifles and tactical blades, their faces obscured by gas masks. They moved with professional precision, fanning out into the Archives.
The silence of the ancient library was shattered. The sound of automatic weapon fire was a physical blow, a roaring th
